My senses somehow missed the sound of a toilet flushing and a sink running, so I go look in the toilet. And there I find the evidence that the young six-year old didn’t wipe, flush and I’m pretty sure she didn’t wash her hands.

So, the child is either lying or momentarily forgot English. I’m thinking it’s the first of the two. Now what? Later on in the day the child disobeys, disrespects, and well, the list goes on. Let’s face it, children do those things sometimes. It’s part of the process (at least that’s what I tell myself.) So, when that happens and you don’t know what to do, where do you go for advice?

After I look up to heaven, shake my head and ask why each child didn’t come with a personal manual, I go to the next best thing…parenting books. My shelves are lined with them. I unfortunately don’t know ALL of the answers myself, so I seek out help when I’m not sure how to confront a lying child and also when I’m about to check myself into the mental ward. Help is good in those moments! Here is a list, in no particular order, of my favorite parenting books. Some of them may surprise you!

The Five Love Languages of Children 1 of 10

This book suggests that we all receive love in different languages. It also helps us determine which love language works best for each child. Click here for more information.

Parenting with Love and Logic 2 of 10

I'm a huge fan of choice and accountability. This book is all about helping our kids make choices and learning from the consequences. It also supplies numberless phrases that can so easily be applied when moments get heated. They really help!Click here for more information.

I Didn’t Plan to Be a Witch 3 of 10

Need I say more? My kids are always asking me where I hide my broom. (I was a perfect mother before I had kids, btw.) Linda Eyre wrote this from a mothers perspective (and she has been there and done that with her 9 children.) It's entertaining and a great one to pick up when you're huddled in the corner of your bathroom, rocking back and forth, mumbling crazy things to yourself. Click here for more information.

The Power of a Positive Mom 4 of 10

There is a lot of pressure placed on mom. The mood of the house, at least in my house, revolves around us mothers. If Mom's losing it, everyone is losing it! This book offers great tips to help keep a positive feeling in the home. Peace, love and harmony, who doesn't want that?Click here for more information.

Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother 5 of 10

I loved this book! It was controversial, honest, entertaining and life-changing for me. I secretly wish I was a tiger mother. I think she is spot on when she talks about the correlation between accomplishments and confidence. One of my goals is to raise confident children, and she was enlightening in that aspect.Click here for more information.

The Power of Positive Parenting 6 of 10

This is the manual of all manuals. It appears more like a college textbook, which is great because it covers all the nitty-gritty. When I'm faced with a child who is lying, fighting, sassing, toilet training or disrespecting, I open this daddy up and flip to the chapter that applies to me in that moment. His principles are based on rewarding positive behavior. It's a must have in my opinion!
Click here for more information.

How to Win Friends and Influence People 7 of 10

Surprised to see this one listed as a parenting book? No other book on my shelf is as used and tattered as this little paperback. It's all about human nature and handling people. Our little ones are people! Interested in winning your kids to your way of thinking? Want to know why your 4 year old is throwing a tantrum? Want to stop fighting with your 7 year old? Dale Carnegie has the answers.Click here for more information.

The Entitlement Trap 8 of 10

This awesome book helps tackle what I agree to be the biggest plague facing our children. Entitlement. They teach how to help our young ones have ownership and appreciate work with practical steps and examples. A valuable read, especially if you'd like your kid to be good with money when they grow up!Click here for more information.

Knowing what color of personality your child has can really help to understand why they do what they do and what motivates them. This book spells out those personalities and categorizes them into colors. Click here for more information.

What books did I miss? Where do you go for advice? I’d love to hear your picks and add them to my library!

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